Thursday, April 06, 2006
Perky and Plucky
Once upon a time I had aspirations of being a television personality, or a news anchor. I graduated from college with a degree in broadcasting, and enjoyed several stints as a reporter, news anchor, or production crew member for my college television station. Although I have never worked full-time in the business, I have always thought myself to be a worthy critic of those who do.
“I don’t like her,” I have said to my husband about most female anchors, not just once, but repeatedly, and in fact, almost every time I see them on television. My husband has come to expect these declarations regularly, so he often needles me by feigning surprise. “Really?! I didn’t know that,” he banters.
Why don’t I like them? I’m forced to resort to a teenage phrase. They “think they’re all that.” I’m sure these journalists have excellent technical skills, but some of them seem arrogant and condescending, and even close-minded and biased in a profession that touts its impartiality.
But I did admire Katie Couric. I’ve been a Today Show devotee for several years, and try as I might to dislike Katie, I could not. I did not always agree with her political views or social opinions, but I could not help but respect her presence of mind, quick wit, aplomb, and grace in handling news stories and situations ranging from extremely delicate or dire to fanciful fluff. I applauded her pluck, and even tolerated her irrepressible perkiness. She always carried herself well, and she earned my grudging acceptance. I was disappointed to learn I would no longer be sharing some of my morning with her.
I heard today the news about her replacement. “I don’t like her,” I immediately announced to my husband. “Imagine that,” he teased. I know my hasty indictments are a bit harsh, and that in fairness, I should at least give this interloper a chance in her new venue. I also realize that some of my dislike of the women stems from jealousy, so I will probably always find something to disparage about each new anchor. So in the long run, maybe I’ll just watch Katie Couric, and pronounce my ultimate commendation upon her: “I like her.”
“I don’t like her,” I have said to my husband about most female anchors, not just once, but repeatedly, and in fact, almost every time I see them on television. My husband has come to expect these declarations regularly, so he often needles me by feigning surprise. “Really?! I didn’t know that,” he banters.
Why don’t I like them? I’m forced to resort to a teenage phrase. They “think they’re all that.” I’m sure these journalists have excellent technical skills, but some of them seem arrogant and condescending, and even close-minded and biased in a profession that touts its impartiality.
But I did admire Katie Couric. I’ve been a Today Show devotee for several years, and try as I might to dislike Katie, I could not. I did not always agree with her political views or social opinions, but I could not help but respect her presence of mind, quick wit, aplomb, and grace in handling news stories and situations ranging from extremely delicate or dire to fanciful fluff. I applauded her pluck, and even tolerated her irrepressible perkiness. She always carried herself well, and she earned my grudging acceptance. I was disappointed to learn I would no longer be sharing some of my morning with her.
I heard today the news about her replacement. “I don’t like her,” I immediately announced to my husband. “Imagine that,” he teased. I know my hasty indictments are a bit harsh, and that in fairness, I should at least give this interloper a chance in her new venue. I also realize that some of my dislike of the women stems from jealousy, so I will probably always find something to disparage about each new anchor. So in the long run, maybe I’ll just watch Katie Couric, and pronounce my ultimate commendation upon her: “I like her.”
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This sounds like an Andy Rooney bit.
"You know, I don't like female anchors. I'm sure they are good at what they do, but they think they're all that..."
Thanks for another interesting read.
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"You know, I don't like female anchors. I'm sure they are good at what they do, but they think they're all that..."
Thanks for another interesting read.
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